Christie - Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Christie Ritchey discusses her experience at IUP. 2:12, MB

A student in the Biology Honors Program and an aspiring college professor, Christie Ritchey of Bedford, Pa., completed an independent research project called “The Effect of Melatonin on the Circadian Rhythms of Paramecium tetraulrelia.” She hopes her work will shed light on why certain biological processes occur during different times—like the wake and sleep cycle in humans.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Dr. [Robert] Hinrichsen. Spending time in his lab has taught me a lot about research itself and the time and dedication it requires, as well as different laboratory equipment and techniques,” Christie said. “I feel this experience has more fully prepared me for graduate school, and I'm looking forward to continuing on with the next stages.”

In her spare time, Christie tutors students in her major, as well as students in Chemistry (one of her minors) and Biochemistry. Over the summer, she tutored high school students who attended IUP for the Upward Bound Science and Math Program.

She has received numerous IUP scholarship awards, including the Aramark Scholarship and the Patricia Hilliard Robertson Scholarship, an award granted to female science and math students in memory of an alumna who reached her goal of becoming a flight surgeon and an astronaut. Christie is also a McNair Scholar and has an on-campus job working in the Office of Housing and Residence Life.

“If I were recommending IUP to a friend, I would speak to the small class sizes and individual attention given by professors,” Christie said. “I would also recommend it based on student body size, since it is larger than many rural universities, but still has that small-town feel. There are many activities to choose from and a variety of classes to suit personal interests offered each semester, as well as a variety of living options, both on campus and off.”

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